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The straight grain black walnut stock has a varnished finish. The left side of the stock has a factory
sling swivel and the left side of the barrel has a factory screw-fastened loop for a sling hook. Sling
swivels were standard features on Type II U.S. Henry rifles. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with
the late style larger two-line legend “HENRY’S PATENT.OCT.16.1860./MANUFACT’D. BY THE NEWHAVEN
ARMS.CO.NEWHAVEN.CT.” using all serif letters. The serial number is stamped on the top of the barrel
behind the rear sight, on the left side of the lower receiver tang, inside of the upper tang inlet of the stock and
on the inside of the buttplate below the trap door. All of the visible serial numbers match. The buttplate and receiver
have the late style cap screws which are correctly not stamped with the rifle serial number. Matching assembly
numbers are stamped
on the barrel under the
loading sleeve and on the
rear face of the loading
sleeve. The “W” sub-
inspection mark of Oliver
Winchester is stamped on
the lower tang behind the
lever latch. Experts believe
that a majority of the
Henry rifles manufactured
between 1862-65 were
privately purchased by
individual Federal soldiers for service in the Civil
War. However, Ordnance Department purchases
of Henry rifles totaled only 1,731 rifles. Virtually
all of these rifles were issued to either the 1st D.C.
Cavalry or the 3rd VVI. Surviving examples of the
limited number of U.S. contract are scarce.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrel has a brown patina over light pitting with sharp edges and smooth metal surfaces.
The barrel legend and serial number are crisp. The folding leaf rear sight is original to the rifle and in very fine
condition. The brass receiver and crescent buttplate have a good-looking, un-polished patina and are in very good
condition. The side plate joints are tight. The receiver and buttplate show minimal handling wear. Handling wear is
limited to a small area of discoloration on the top of the receiver behind the ejection port. The hammer and lever
have a brown patina with traces of the dove-gray case colors. The stock is very good; wear is limited to scattered
minor handling marks, primarily on the left side of the stock and wrist. The tiny “AWM” inspection mark is legible. This
is a solid example of a U.S. contract Henry rifle. These U.S. contract Henry rifles are a key component of any advanced
Civil War or U.S. martial arm collection.
Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 27,500 - 42,500
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